Ghost of Tsushimais layered with various activities in its vast open world, all of which provides a benefit toJin Sakaiin some way. From increasing health in the onsen to new charms from shinto shrines, the options are nearly endless.
One feature that is distinctly unique and cinematic, honouring the epic battles that would be showcased inAkira Kurosawafilms:Duels.
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There are a total of 25 Duels in the game, most of which are unmissable, as they’re required for the main story, individual Tales, and as the final boss for certainMongol Territories.Completing all of these encounters will earn players with theThere Can Only Be Onetrophy.
As far as Duels in the open world,there are only five across the Toyotama Region, and they are completed for theMythic Tale,The Six Blades of Kojiro(which rewards players with theKensei Armorfor completing it). The tale requires Jin to face five differentStraw Hat Roninbefore facing off with Kojiro himself, without a doubt the most fun Mythic Tale in the entire game.
While every Duel is unique, some are definitely more memorable than others, either with aesthetics, the opponent, or both. Of all the Duels available in theopen world, these are the best ones.
Duel in the Drowning Marsh
Old Kanazawa Marsh
TheDuel in the Drowning Marshis located in theOld Kanazawa Marsh, on the coast, northwest of Akashima Village. The opponent is namedYasumasa, and right off the bat he’s a character that players would be excited to cut down.
Yasumasa takes a boy hostage to draw Jin out, and thankfully releases the boy upon arrival. He’s arrogant and cocky, claiming thatthe samuraiare hypocrites, taking all the glory from true warriors like himself. His flippant attitude continues throughout the duel, trying to distract and anger Jin by claiming he knows nothing, being raised in a castle his whole life.
To which, Jin crushes his confidence by pointing out he’s not the one out of breath. With that, he strikes him down, ending his life and his oath to Kojiro.
The ambiance is great, but only if done at the right time of day with proper lighting, as the marsh is quite unpleasant to look at on its own. Dirt and mud get everywhere, making the fight gritty and raw.
The duel is well-fought and choreographed, but it feels a bit repetitive to other antagonists Jin has faced so far.
Duel Under Autumn Leaves
Yamabushi Peak
TheDuel Under Autumn Leavesis located just east ofCastle Shimura, right by Yamabushi Peak. The opponent for this duel isKanetomo, who is far more sadistic and borderline insane than most.
Having grown impatient waiting for Jin to arrive for their duel, he had gotten bored and slaughtered several innocent peasants in order to pass the time. Of course, Jin is appalled and disgusted by this, going into the duel far more hostile than he previously had been.
That bloodthirst is eagerly met in return, with aggressive combat and unpredictable movements.
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This encounter is just gorgeous, with fiery red leaves falling all around, adding to the ferocity and anger motivating the duelists. It’s moody, it’s pretty, it’s all the autumnal staples in a samurai film coming to life.
Kanetomo himself, while more sadistic, is rather uneventful in comparison to other enemies that Jin has struck down. Many of the opponents throughout the game are evil for the sake of being evil, lacking substance that the scenery, thankfully, more than makes up for.
4Hirotsune
Duel Among the Spider Lilies
Field of the Equinox Flower
TheDuel Among the Spider Liliesis actually just west of the Duel in the Drowning Marsh, on the north side of theField of the Equinox Flower. For this Duel, Jin is fighting a man namedHirotsune, and he’s already a breath of fresh air (with a hint of a floral scent).
Jin walks up on him in the middle of training, practicing his fighting with excitement. Having heard fromRyuzoabout Jin’s skill in combat, he is under the firm belief that nobody could properly face him except for Jin. Of course, Jin tries to get him to see reason, but that notion is quickly tossed to the side because of Hirotsune’s stubbornness.
During the fight among the stunning red flowers, he continuously compliments Jin for his skill with the sword, saying things such as how Ryuzo’s stories don’t do him justice. They’re authentic compliments, too, bringing a tinge of regret to the overall tone of the duel.
Of course, he dies at the end, and Jin comes out victorious, with blood matching the flowers below. And, there’s one more important detail that is the cherry on top of the whole duel: spider lilies symbolise death in Japan, and are often the main flowers in funerals.
3Kiyochika
Duel Under Falling Water
Musashi Coast Waterfall
TheDuel Under Falling Wateris located north of theMusashi Coast, underneath the waterfall that leads into the ocean, leaving a light, misty fog throughout the dueling ground. The opponent for this isKiyochika, who reassures Jin that it’s nothing personal.
Players find him meditating among the water, and upon arrival, he expresses some regret for their situation, stating that this is merely his job. In a sense, it sounds like he’s inviting Jin to win.
The rushing water all around enhances the Duel in not just visuals, but in audio as well, roaring like a lion and a choir all at once. The misty grounds are a permafrost to the atmosphere in an incredibly dramatic display, where players can practically taste the moisture in the air.
It ends up being a shame that Jin had to kill Kiyochika, because it’s clear he would have been far more valuable as an ally.
Duel on the Mirror of Sacred Light
Omi Monastery
TheDuel on the Mirror of Sacred Lightis only available after completing the other five Duels, as this one is the final showdown between Jin and the Tale’s titular roninKojiro. This Duel is hidden withinOmi Monastery, which isone of the most beautiful areas in the entire game.
Specifically, it’s tucked away in a dark cave, and upon arrival, Jin is met with dozens of lanterns floating along a thin layer of water. It’s visually striking, a breathtaking display of light and shadow all while retaining warmth.
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Plus, everything had been leading to this moment between Jin and Kojiro, who claims that Jin will finally know the honour of dying by his hand. Unfortunately for him and for his armour, that won’t be the case. In fact, Jin shows little sympathy for the killer, telling him that he should have stayed a legend.
This Duel is fantastic, all while being stunning to look at. The deep shadows add an extra touch of challenge, making it harder to predict what Kojiro’s next move is going to be alongside tougher combat.
It’s incredibly cinematic and memorable, and an overall excellent conclusion for the Mythic Tale overall.
1Tomotsugu
Duel of Crashing Waves
Shorees of Cloud Ridge Shrine
TheDuel of Crashing Wavesis the best Duel in the entire game, no question.
Located along the shore byCloud Ridge Shrine, this duel is jaw-dropping in visuals and dramatic flair. Plus, the opponent for this Duel,Tomotsugu, is by far the most compelling of any faced previously. Unlike his psychotic and bloodthirsty comrades, Tomotsugu is actually incredibly honourable and polite.
Jin, understandably, tries to talk him out of it, but Tomotsugu emphasises that he swore an oath, and that he therefore has to honour it. Plus, as Jin gains the upper hand, he extends the offer once again, to which Tomotsugu thanks him, but politely declines in order to see his promise through.
So when Tomotsugu is bested in combat, Jin kindly sends a prayer that he will find true honour in the next life. It’s honestly pretty tragic in that regard, and an excellent display of foreshadowing for Jin’s eventual fate.
The cinematography for this Duel is perfection, with waves crashing up in the background under constant heavy rain. It’s theexact kind of visuals that Kurosawa would orchestrate, and it’s an incredible love letter to the genre (and the game as a whole).
Thankfully, after completing the Jin’s Journey Tale and beating the game, the Duels can be replayed; and this is a Duel that is well worth replaying over and over again.
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